The Positive Effects of a Storm

The Positive Effects of Storms

No one likes to get caught in a storm . . . the very idea tends to evoke feelings of apprehension as people prepare to barricade themselves in from the onslaught that is sure to come. Onslaught. . . That is what people associate with storms . . . personal onslaught. An onslaught is an overwhelming attack and assault.

A storm is defined as any disturbance of an environment or atmosphere, especially one where winds rise and begin to blow strongly. Therefore, storms can be seen as overwhelming attacks that disturb one’s personal environment. What, if any, positive thing could ever come out of a storm, especially one that is violent and raging?

The Storms of Life Are Inevitable

First of all, storms test your readiness. How prepared in life for life are you? You know the proverbial saying . . . “Life Happens!” Uhhh . . . some people don’t put it quite that way, choosing to use more colorful or explicit language, however, it’s the truth. Life happens to us all.

How prepared are you to face the curve balls and outright storms that happen so very unexpectedly in life? Storms reveal the areas that need strengthening as well as areas that are not safe to dwell in. While there are practical areas of preparation such as finance, insurances, transportation, housing, food, shelter, water, medical supplies and such; there is also the matter of being prepared mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is fortitude in these areas that will assist you in weathering every storm that life brings and overcoming the onslaught victoriously!

Here’s what you may be thinking; “UGGGHHH!!! WHY do we even have to go through storms?!!! We already have enough to deal with, why can’t every day be sunny and filled with love and laughter?”

What, if any, positive thing could ever come out of a storm, especially one that is violent and raging?

I wondered about that and did some research . . . Here’s what I found:

1. Seed Dispersal – Seeds are picked up by the winds, carried and sown into areas that they normally would not have been in. The storm winds cause them to land in territory that is not known to them and they take root and grow there. Sometimes the storm is what propels you out of your comfort zone into the place of growth, prosperity and destiny. It is here, in this place that you will be and do the most good. The Book of Genesis Chapters 37 – 45

2. Modifications – Because of the damage the storm does, especially to habitats / homes, changes are made for the better so that policy, procedure and dwellings are improved and strengthened. Storms help us to step back and evaluate where we are, what we are doing and how we are doing it so that we can make positive changes. Matthew 7:24-27

3. Succession – Storms remove trees and plants that have dominated certain areas for years. This gives other species of trees and plants a chance to grow and flourish in the sunlight because they are no longer overshadowed by the previous ones. Some storms come to cause a “changing of the guards” and remove those that have dominated the scene so that you may now come on stage. Make sure you’re ready! The Book of Esther

4. Flooding – While flooding is not seen as a good thing, one thing it does do is wash away the old and make way for the new. Storms sometimes are allowed in life because people will not transition into new thoughts, ideas and things when needed. Progress is essential in human growth and life and without it stagnation occurs. Are you overwhelmed in any area of your life? It may be time for progressive change. Deuteronomy 1:6

5. Lightning – Storms are often accompanied by lightning which is a negatively charged burst of energy. The Earth is positively charged and when lightning strikes the Earth it produces a strong electrical current. This exchange helps to keep the electrical balance in our atmosphere. Lightning produces a gas called Ozone that is vital to our atmosphere because it shields us from harmful ultraviolet rays. Lightning helps to fertilize plants by dissolving nitrogen in the atmosphere into the rain water so that plants can absorb it. Storms come to make you stronger as well as to shield you from people and things that don’t appreciate you. However, just like lightning . . . they’ll still need you and what you have in the end! Judges 11:1-11

While storms can be frightening and at times totally devastating . . . they can be the beginning of something wonderful!

“When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” ― Haruki Murakami

So, the next time you experience a storm in your life, expect to learn from it, grow from it and go . . . go into the new spaces and places that the storm has carried you to. . . and FLOURISH!!!

– The End.